Recently, a pair of incidents involving Singapore-registered vehicles attempting to fill up on Malaysia’s heavily subsidised Ron95 petrol have sparked a wave of social media commentary and regulatory scrutiny.
Viral Video Highlights Unlawful Fuel Practices
A video that has gone viral shows a Singapore-registered car in Kulai, Johor, with a partially taped-up licence plate, filling up with Ron95 petrol. The driver is overheard denying their citizenship when confronted, claiming, “Kita orang Malaysian” (We are Malaysians). This incident drew significant attention, with over 42,000 views on social media platform X.
Second Offence Documented
Just a day after the first video gained traction, another Singapore-registered car was caught red-handed doing the same thing in Changlun, Kedah. The driver allegedly replaced his vehicle’s plate with one resembling a Malaysian plate. The situation escalated when staff members at the Shell station attempted to intervene.
- The second driver was reported to scream “Sabah! Sabah!” in an attempt to evade detection.
- Despite their efforts, he ultimately filled his vehicle with Ron97 petrol before driving off.
Regulatory Implications
According to reports, all foreign-registered vehicles, including those from Singapore, can only purchase unsubsidised Ron97 petrol in Malaysia. The practice of attempting to fill up on subsidised petrol is illegal and subject to penalties, with the Malaysian Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry indicating that investigations are underway.
Community Reaction
Netizens have been vocal in their criticism, suggesting that tampering with a licence plate is a clear violation of traffic laws. In response to the ongoing incidents, Johor authorities have stated that they will take action against any violations, with police ready to issue summonses if necessary.
Final Thoughts
The situation reflects broader regional concerns about fuel regulations and the integrity of the system, as well as the ongoing challenges in managing the intersection of citizenship, law enforcement, and resource access across borders.